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EKP1

Modernity and the Emergence of Korean Philosophy

SO JEONG PARK

In the “Exploration to Korean Philosophy” series, we will delve deeper into the subject matter than what was previously addressed in the courses “Introduction to Korean Philosophy and Culture (IKPC)” and “In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy (SOKP)."

In EKP1, titled "Modernity and the Emergence of 'Korean' Philosophy," we explore how the Korean intellectual tradition encountered a pivotal moment of reinterpretation as it embraced the discipline of "philosophy," often seen as the apex of modern European intellectual history.

Looking at examples of Concept Clusters, we can see that Korean philosophy is deeply rooted in the Korean language and has formed a philosophical perspective that is different not only from the West but also from neighboring countries such as China and Japan. In this course, we also dealt with the early Korean Neo-Confucianism's gaze on “cheon”, referring to “heaven” as an example that clearly demonstrates the characteristics of Korean philosophy before it was given the name “philosophy.” Even before and after the advent of Neo-Confucianism, the search for ultimate existence – expressed in various terms – was constantly pursued. The gaze on “heaven” is an important feature of Korean philosophy.

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Syllabus

Philosophy and Korean Philosophy

This week, we examine the definitions of philosophy and Korean philosophy. We will hear from fellow students on how they perceive the differences between these two terms. The course will also introduce the fundamental concept of philosophy as the pursuit of wisdom and enlightenment. Additionally, we will get an overview of key highlights in Korean philosophy.

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Develops an understanding of Korean philosophy's unique perspective and its place in the world's philosophical traditions

Suitable for students with a background in East Asian philosophy or a strong interest in Korean culture and thought

Explores the historical development of Korean philosophy, from its roots in syncretism to its emergence as a distinct tradition

Provides valuable insights into the relationship between Korean philosophy and broader East Asian philosophical traditions

May require additional research to fully grasp the complex ideas and concepts presented

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Reviews summary

Korean philosophy: modernity and distinct identity

According to learners, EKP1: Modernity and the Emergence of Korean Philosophy offers an incredibly unique and deep dive into a specialized intellectual tradition, distinguishing it clearly from Western and other East Asian philosophies. Students found the lectures profound and the instructor's expertise shines through, making complex 'concept clusters' understandable. The course provides a solid academic foundation, meticulously detailing the historical context, especially regarding Neo-Confucianism and concepts like 'Human as Heaven'. While many found it a deeply enriching experience, some noted it can be quite challenging for those new to the subject or without a strong philosophical background, often requiring additional effort for dense sections.

Highlights key concepts like 'cheon' and 'Human as Heaven'.

"I appreciated the focus on the 'Heaven' concept and how it relates to Neo-Confucianism."

"I found the section on 'Human as Heaven' particularly insightful."

"The unique perspective on 'cheon' is a highlight."

Provides a solid academic foundation with detailed historical context.

"A very informative journey into the emergence of Korean philosophy... it provided a solid academic foundation. The historical context was particularly well-explained."

"Excellent course that provides a foundational understanding of Korean intellectual history."

"The course is academically rigorous and offers valuable insights."

Instructor's profound expertise makes complex concepts clear.

"The lectures are profound and the instructor's expertise shines through, making complex 'concept clusters' understandable."

"Deeply enriching experience. The instructor clearly has a profound understanding of the subject."

Explores Korean philosophy distinctively from other traditions.

"This course offers an incredibly unique and deep dive into Korean philosophy, distinguishing it clearly from Western and other East Asian traditions."

"Absolutely fascinating! EKP1 truly expands on the IKPC and SOKP series, offering a nuanced understanding of how 'philosophy' was adopted and transformed in Korea."

"The comparative aspects of Korean philosophy relative to China and Japan were particularly illuminating, equipping me to discuss these complex topics now."

Requires prior philosophical knowledge; not for absolute novices.

"As someone new to Korean philosophy, I found this course quite challenging. While the content is rich, a stronger introductory primer might be beneficial."

"It's definitely for those with an academic interest, not a casual introduction."

"Sometimes the lectures felt a bit abstract, but the provided examples of 'Concept Clusters' helped ground the ideas. Definitely not for a complete beginner."

"Good course, but I sometimes struggled with the density of the philosophical concepts without a strong prior background in general philosophy."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in EKP1: Modernity and the Emergence of Korean Philosophy with these activities:

Explore the 'Korean Philosophy' Section on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

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The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy provides in-depth articles on various aspects of Korean philosophy, supplementing the course material and expanding your knowledge.

Browse courses on Korean Philosophy

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Visit the 'Korean Philosophy' section of the encyclopedia.
Browse the articles and identify topics that interest you.
Read the selected articles thoroughly and take notes.
Summarize the main points and arguments presented in the articles.

Compile a Glossary of Korean Philosophical Terms

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Building a glossary will help you familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts in Korean philosophy, enhancing your understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Korean Philosophy

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Identify key terms from the course readings and lectures.
Define each term clearly and concisely.
Organize the terms alphabetically or by topic.
Review and update your glossary regularly as you progress through the course.

Join a Study Group for Korean Philosophy Discussions

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Engaging in discussions with peers will enhance your comprehension of the course material, foster critical thinking, and provide diverse perspectives.

Browse courses on Korean Philosophy

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Find or create a study group with fellow classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss the course readings and concepts.
Share your insights and perspectives with the group.
Actively listen to and engage with the ideas of others.

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Read 'Korean Philosophy in the Modern World' by Michael J. Pettid

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of Korean philosophy in the modern era, complementing the course material and deepening your understanding of the subject.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key points.
Summarize each chapter in your own words.
Identify the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book.
Compare and contrast the ideas in the book with the concepts discussed in the course.

Write a Comparative Essay on Korean and Western Philosophy

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By comparing Korean and Western philosophical perspectives, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the unique contributions of each tradition and enhance your critical thinking skills.

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Identify specific philosophical concepts or themes to compare.
Research the relevant literature on Korean and Western philosophy.
Develop a thesis statement that articulates your comparative analysis.
Write a well-structured essay that presents your arguments and evidence.
Proofread and revise your essay carefully.

Create a Timeline of Major Developments in Korean Philosophy

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Creating a timeline will help you visualize the chronological progression of Korean philosophical thought and identify key turning points.

Browse courses on Korean Philosophy

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Identify major philosophers, schools of thought, and philosophical movements in Korean history.
Research the dates and key events associated with each development.
Create a visual representation of the timeline, using a chart or diagram.
Include brief annotations explaining the significance of each event.

Analyze Primary Texts of Korean Philosophy

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Engaging directly with primary texts will provide you with a deeper understanding of the original ideas and arguments of Korean philosophers.

Browse courses on Korean Philosophy

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Select a primary text of Korean philosophy, such as 'The Record of Wisdom' by Seonghyo.
Read the text carefully, paying attention to the language, structure, and context.
Identify the main arguments and philosophical concepts presented in the text.
Analyze the author's reasoning and evidence.
Write a summary or interpretation of the text, highlighting its key insights.

Career center

Learners who complete EKP1: Modernity and the Emergence of Korean Philosophy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in EKP1: Modernity and the Emergence of Korean Philosophy.

The Interpretation Of Cultures

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A classic work in the field of cultural anthropology, this book argues that culture system of symbols and meanings that must be interpreted in order to be understood.

EKP1

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Korean philosophy: modernity and distinct identity

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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